Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Onion Cream Cheese Spread

Have you ever wondered how much money the manufacturers make by selling stuff that anyone can make in minutes? Best example is pasta sauce. They sell them (basic ones) for more than a dollar whereas you can make two bottles of it (approximately) for about 75 cents with 5 minutes of time. Read more about that hereif you want. Same goes with any cream cheese spread that is flavored. If you can get a block of cream cheese for about 90 cents, these specially flavored ones cost you about twice the amount. I still haven't figured out why. This is inspired by the Chives cream cheese that is sold in the stores. I have never tasted it, but I went by my taste palate. These make excellent sandwich spreads.

One Year back - Quinoa Chickpeas PulavIngredients:
Cream cheese - One 8 Oz block at room softened but not mushy (I used 1/3 fat. Fat free will work just fine)
Olive Oil - 2 tsp
Red onions - Chopped very fine about 1 1/4 cups (I used two medium ones)
Green Chillies - 4 chopped fine or per taste (Use red chilli flakes instead if you like that better)
Cilantro - 2 TBSP chopped or mint would work too
Salt - to taste

To serve: Bread or bagel or pita bread. This makes a great base for a wrap too.

Method:
Heat oil in a pan. When hot, add green chillies. When they are almost toasted, add onions. Sprinkle some salt and let it wilt. You want to cook the onions till there is no more water bubbling, but not to the stage of caramelizing them. Add chopped cilantro and turn off the heat. Let it come to room temperature.
Mash the block of cream cheese with a fork. You may use the beater, but isn't really necessary. Add the onion mixture to it and mix well. Check for seasoning and adjust the salt if necessary. Spread on bagels, or toasted bread. I used it to make pita sandwich for breakfast. If you like your spread to be a little thinner, add a TBSP of two of yogurt or plain milk to make it thinner.

Variations:
You could use green onions or chives. In that case, you don't need to cook them. Just mince and add to softened cream cheese. Use any favorite herb of choice.
Enjoy.
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